All will be revealed of Picasso's lesser-known explorations into the art of printmaking at a new exhibition, The Mystery of Picasso's Creative Process: The Art of Printmaking, which is being staged at the Singapore Tyler Print Institute (STPI) from now to August 24, 2013.

An extensive collection of nearly 50 of his lithographs, linocuts, and rare corresponding plates — all from the archives of his son, Claude Picasso — have made the trip to Asia for the very first time, showcasing the true depth of Picasso's creative genius.

STPI Director Emi Eu describes the pieces as “revolutionary works” that are “extremely rare”. Among the selection is a masterpiece series of lithographs entitled Le Taureau (The Bull) from 1945. The series reveals how Picasso, in challenging the artistic conventions of the day, progressively pared down the image of a bull to its mere essence through 11 successive re-workings of the lithographic stone. Another series, Les Deux Femme Nues (Two Female Nudes), realised the following year, reveals the enormous influence Picasso's lovers had on both his life and art.

Even more demonstrative of Picasso's boldness in innovation and his ability to switch between mediums is, perhaps, Tete a la coiffe (1947), an oil painting inspired by Françoise Gilot (his muse between 1943-1953 and mother of Claude). It is said to be the only painting that Picasso recreated onto lithographic stone upon completion. Both painting and print hang side-by-side in the newly renovated gallery.

Of unravelling the mystery of Picasso's creative process for gallery-goers, Tatyana Franck, Curator of the archives of Claude Picasso, says: “This is the first time the works are shown in Asia, as we think there is a great potential in Singapore and we want to develop the knowledge of Picasso prints in Asia.”

The Mystery of Picasso's Creative Process: The Art of Printmaking is being staged from now to August 24, 2013 at the Singapore Tyler Print Institute, 41 Roberson Quay. www.stpi.com.sg